How to pronounce circumspection
Say it like ser-kum-SPEK-shun. Circumspection has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce circumspection. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ser
- kum
- SPEK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circumspection pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- serGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SPEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of circumspection
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: sur-kum-SPEK-shun.
What does circumspection mean?
- Attention to all the facts and circumstances of a case; consideration of all that is pertinent.
- Caution, watchfulness, or vigilance fueled by such awareness.
Where does circumspection come from?
Inherited from Middle English circumspeccioun, from Middle French circonspection or its etymon Latin circumspectio.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with circumspection
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of circumspection.
Questions about saying circumspection
How do you pronounce circumspection?
Say ser-kum-SPEK-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌsɚkəmˈspɛkʃən/. In British English it is /ˌsɜːkəmˈspɛkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circumspection?
Circumspection has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SPEK). Broken into parts: ser · kum · SPEK · shun.
Is circumspection pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌsɜːkəmˈspɛkʃən/ (sur-kum-SPEK-shun).